Taking leave of ourselves

Oh, how greatly has man advanced who has learned not to be his own, not to be governed by his own reason, but to surrender his mind to God!
The most effective poison to lead men to ruin is to boast in themselves, in their own wisdom and willpower; the only escape to safety is simply to follow the guidance of the Lord.
Our first step should be to take leave of ourselves and to apply all our powers to the service of the Lord. [John Calvin]